I'm working with an older materials testing machine that only displays force in kgf, but my new sensors output newtons — how do I compare the specs?

Multiply the kgf reading by 9.80665. A machine display showing 150 kgf = 1,471 N. If your sensor reads 1,500 N, you're 2% above that machine's displayed value — a meaningful difference for calibration.

A spec gives a rated force of 50 kgf. What is that in newtons?

50 × 9.80665 = 490.3 N. Use the manufacturer's documentation to set any force limit.

What's the difference between kilogram (kg) and kilogram-force (kgf)?

Kilogram (kg) is mass — how much stuff. Kilogram-force (kgf) is the gravitational force of that mass at Earth's surface. On Earth, 1 kg of mass exerts 1 kgf (= 9.807 N) downward. On the Moon the same 1 kg exerts only ~0.165 kgf. The distinction matters whenever gravity is not standard.

A cable spec sheet shows breaking strength in newtons, but my safety rating table is in kgf — how do I compare?

Divide the newton value by 9.80665. A 2,452 N breaking strength ÷ 9.807 = 250.0 kgf. Apply your safety factor in kgf as usual.

Kilogram-Force (kgf) to Newtons Converter

Enter a value to instantly convert between force units.

From

Precision4 dp

1 Kilogram-Force = 9.8066 Newton

Key Formulas

Newton → Pound-Force

lbf = N × 0.224809

Pound-Force → Newton

N = lbf × 4.44822

Kilogram-Force → Newton

N = kgf × 9.80665

Newton → Kilogram-Force

kgf = N × 0.101972

Formula

N = kgf × 9.80665

Older equipment manuals and nameplates sometimes give force in kgf, the force of a 1 kg mass under standard gravity. When these legacy specs need to be entered into modern SI-based control software, FEA packages, or ISO-compliant test reports, multiplying by 9.80665 converts them to newtons without any ambiguity.

Source: NIST SP 811, Table B.8

Reviewed by the Convert Calc editorial team · Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 · see our methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

The weight of a 1 kg calibration mass — the definition of 1 kgf, used to verify scales and force sensors at the 9.807 N level.

1 kgf = 9.807 N

A 50 kgf force from an older manual, entered as about 490 N in SI-based software.

50 kgf = 490.3 N

A hydraulic cylinder's 200 kgf rated output — the newton value needed to calculate cylinder bore diameter from operating pressure.

200 kgf = 1961.3 N

One metric ton-force (1,000 kgf = 1 tf), about 9.81 kN.

1000 kgf = 9806.7 N

newtons to lbf lbf to newtons newtons to kgf kn to newtons newtons to kn

Kilogram-Force (kgf) to Newtons Converter

Key Formulas

Formula

Frequently Asked Questions

Real-World Examples

Related Converters